For the project, the researchers used an electrovibration-based display and a new algorithm developed in-house to allow the human hand to feel the textures of objects as presented on the screen.

The algorithm maps the frictional forces between the screen and the user's finger to the surface contours of the virtual 3D image presented on the touchscreen. This dynamic allows the system to adjust to various virtual surface sensations on the fly, rather than offering canned sensations as some tactile touchscreen feedback experiments have demonstrated in the past.

I'm gonna be honest, I don't really understand the technology because I don't understand any of the words I just read or what they mean. I'm joking, I know science like the back of my hand. *eying back of hand* Jesus, where did this stamp come from -- did I go out last night?

Hit the jump for the video demo.

Thanks to Side Effect, which may include tingling sensations, numbness, and spending way too much of your free time groping a touchscreen.